Sarasota, FL – First responders from Sarasota County are helping SunCoast Blood Bank (SCBB) avert a blood shortage this summer. Law enforcement and firefighting agencies are joining forces for the 10th Annual Boots vs. Badges campaign, which runs June 27 – July 18. The goal is to raise more than 300 units of blood during the friendly competition between the two agencies.

The campaign will kick off on June 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at North Port City Hall, 4980 City Center Blvd, North Port. Firefighters and law enforcement will go head to head to see who can encourage the most people to roll up their sleeves and donate. “Summer is a critical time for the local blood supply because school is out and many winter residents are gone. The competition between law enforcement and firefighters is a great event, but the real winners are the lives that are saved as a result of the donations given during the competition,” said Deputy Fire Chief Scott Titus of North Port Fire Rescue.

The kick off event is sponsored by WWSB ABC 7, Culver’s of Port Charlotte and Sarasota, Panera Bread, Myakka Pines Golf Club, 5/3rd Bank on North Port, Florida Police Benevolent Association, North Port Fire Benevolent Association, Do the Happy Bounce Dunk Tank and Englewood Community Hospital. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will host a mini SWAT course for the kids. There will be fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles on hand for tours, extrication demonstration by the North Port Fire Department, and a K9 Unit demonstration by the North Port Police Department. Panera Bread and Culver’s will provide lunch and treats throughout the day. All donors will receive a $10 Panera gift card, Boots vs. Badges tee shirt, coupons from local retailers, a free ticket to a Charlotte Stone Crabs baseball game, and entered in drawings to win a $250 Westfield Mall gift card, four tickets to a Tampa Bay Rays game, four tickets to a Charlotte Stone Crab game, or a 3 month membership to Youfit.